Bicycle Tires: What Should You Choose?

Bicycle tires are a lot more than just hard rubber over tubes and a nozzle for pumping them up in case of a flat. With today’s technology and knowledge about the sport of cycling, tires come in an amazing array of sizes and tread styles to suit both on and off road riding. Learn about the various types so you know what to put on your bike the next time you hit the streets or the trails.

Racing Bicycle Tires – For people who get into street racing or simply ride their bicycle a lot on paved pathways, slick tires are the best bet. These ones are usually relatively narrow and do not cause a lot of friction on the road. Semi-slick types also exist. These combine the low friction with better handling and a bit more strength in case of debris in the road.

Off-road Bicycle Tires – Wider, heavier and with a considerable tread, bicycle tires designed for mountain biking and off-road use have to be stronger to withstand the jabs of sharp rocks and the possibility of landing heavy after going over a branch or small jump. These are sometimes also called knobby tires And help with both protection and traction on loose ground.

Recreational Use and Everyday Writing Bicycle Tires – If you are casual bike rider and just travel around the town or take occasional jaunts down a well-groomed trail, you do not need any special bicycle tires with an aerodynamic profile or rugged tread. If you have to replace the stock tires, get something similar to what was originally on the bike.